That picture could be me upstairs in the storage room trying to clear away clutter.
This week, I have been packing up stuff, mostly Vann's clothes. With winter coming on and so many people without jobs, I started thinking about all the good those clothes could do. So I called a local charity and was told that they would be very happy to distribute Vann's clothes to the needy.
Over 100 shirts, I kid you not, I have packed. And there are still more shirts hanging in upstairs closets. A like number pairs of pants, shoes out the wazoo, and boxes and boxes of baseball caps. I'd say at least 65 thousand caps. Maybe 65 million.
And the basement is another story. Even after Vann and his friend Bill worked for days cleaning it out after Vann got sick, and Bo took things to sell, and I don't even know what all the kids took, it's still a mess of clutter.
And the storage room upstairs: dozens of old cameras, National Geos going back for years and years, photos, slides, books, boxes and boxes and who knows what.
But, thank the good Lord, Vann's clutter is not like what I saw on that show last night, "Hoarders," that comes on the A&E channel. At least Vann was a neat hoarder. I'm not afraid of coming across anything nasty or alive while I'm cleaning out his stuff.
But that show answered some questions for me. I was becoming doubtful about getting rid of Vann's clutter. I was feeling like maybe I should hold on to all of it out of love for him, but after watching that show, I've decided I want everything out of my house that doesn't serve a purpose. If I don't use it, like to look at it, eat it, listen to it, read it, sew it, or need to keep it because of someone else, it's going. My stuff and Vann's. I don't ever want to become a pathological hoarder.
That was a very scary show, to see the kind of messes that people live in because they've let their hoarding tendency get the better of them. Some of them had anxiety attacks and cried when the Hoarders crew came to clean out the messes. Some even refused to give up their messes. Out of the four cases I saw, only one fellow cooperated and was very grateful to the people who helped him put his life in order. The others were willing to give up family, friends, or whatever in order to hang on to their crap.
And I could become a hoarder. I love to collect stuff. Especially fabric, but other things too. I have a few collections, mostly packed away in boxes. I usually don't make New Years' Resolutions, but my 2010 resolution is that by the end of the year my house is going to be clutter free and organized. I'm sure it will take me that long to get the job done. In days of yore, I could have done it all in a week or so. But those days are long gone. These days I need frequent and long rest periods between work periods.
Last night, while watching that "Hoarders" show, I finished Red Bow Bunny (photo below). He's bunny #10. Only two more bunnies to go. I also trimmed a jillion or so 2 1/2" hsts (half square triangle squares) for my snowball challenge quilt. I have about a half a jillion to go. I will never again make another quilt that requires that many triangle squares. At least I hope i don't
Happy Thanksgiving Eve everyone. As I think I said before, tomorrow is also Vann and my 15th wedding anniversary. We were married November 26, 1994. I am not doing the traditional Thanksgiving this year, for the first time ever. Instead, my daughter and I are going out to eat and then we're going to see a movie--"The Blind Side," I think.
NOTE: I amost forgot to tell the worst thing of all about that show. At every, I mean every, commercial break, the first ad that came on showed this young couple, looking at their new house sitting between a couple of other houses. Their house had a reasonable number of Christmas lights on it. The other houses looked like the Griswolds lived in them. The young couple looks at each other and one says, "We need more stuff," and the other says "Yeah, lots more stuff." And then the commercial goes on to tout the low prices of all kinds of stuff. Is this not crazy? Do we not live in a crazy world? I ask you.This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 11/25/2009, Marilyn said ...
You are so right about this being a crazy world. It's
I'm sure a hard task to get rid of Vann's things....
but so many will benefit. Will be thinking of you
tomorrow and have a good Thanksgiving.
On 11/25/2009, Louise said ...
Good luck on your cleaning and decluttering. I love your bunnies. I think I may have to dig out that pattern and make some bunnies.
On 11/25/2009, CarlaH said ...
Hi Susan, I'm totally in agreement with you we (or at least most of us) have way more "stuff" than we need. I learned the hard way - when my sister in law died I was the one who had to dispose of her assets - she lived in a one room apartment in a luxury retirement home but, boy was she a hoarder, just when I thought I had finished I found some more stuff hidden away. I vowed that I would not give that chore to my loved ones and so I've been cleaning out our home for the past year (a bit at a time) and still have a ways to go. I feel lighter with every load I give away knowing that someone else can put it to better use. Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal out and the movie and raise a glass of wine to the memories of these good 15 (almost) years you had with Vann.
On 11/25/2009, Pokey said ...
First of all - wow, that is a truly scary show! I think because of the reality of it, so very sad. The way we tend to live for 'more, more, more!' is a true lifestyle of America. You have a GREAT New Year's resolution, one I should claim as my own.
We have eaten out on Thanksgiving before and found it to be refreshing and relaxing. The movie looks to be a good choice, wish I were going, too.
Happy Thanksgiving! :-} pokey
On 11/25/2009, Nicole said ...
I watched that show once and was shocked at the exploitation of these truly sick people who hoard. It is a mental illness and shouldn't be a form of entertainment. And that ad that you describe? I just don't know what to say! What were people thinking?
Getting rid of stuff is so cathartic for me. I love clearing the clutter and support you in your resolution for 2010!
Tomorrow probably will not be an easy day for you. You will be in my thoughts. May you receive many blessings to come.
On 11/25/2009, Lavender Dreams said ...
I do feel a lot of conflict about 'stuff'! I like lots of pretty things but I am easily overwhelmed by clutter! I am working on decluttering today...I better go! lol But I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. I think about you all the time and what a hard year you've had. I keep you in my prayers. God bless you.
On 11/25/2009, Nancy said ...
Susan, we are eating out for the first time ever in 42 years for Thanksgiving and I'm really looking forward to it. Also, my sis in law went to the movie "the blind side" a couple of days ago and said it was really excellent. Enjoy!
On 11/25/2009, ramey said ...
Where is Vann's Granny's lightbulb-that-lasts-forver?
On 11/25/2009, Laurie said ...
I totally wanted to watch that show but forgot -- darn! I'll have to catch it again. Hoarding of Vann's type, not the disorder type, is a family trait and I really struggle against that, loving antiques and memories and collecting as I do. I'm glad you're putting his clothing to good use, he would be very happy about that. I hope you have a peaceful holiday!
On 11/25/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
I won't watch that show as I think it's kind of an obsessive/compulsive thing that isn't entertainment (but then I don't like Survivor and similar shows either).
Since inheriting things from my parents and from my aunt, I have too much and am working my way thru it slowly. I recommend the book "The Lilypad List, Seven Steps to the Simple Life" by Marian Van Eyk McCain and her wonderful book "Elderwoman".
As for Vann's things, I suggest you keep his photos and slides. They could become a book or prints that can be sold for income, or seasonal prints for your home and other family and friends' homes. They show the world thru his eyes and I'd consider that very special.
Love those bunnies!
Hugs!
On 11/25/2009, Debra Spincic said ...
Have been thinking of you today and will send a prayer & hug tomorrow too.
Maybe you can find someone who can do something special with the cameras? Maybe a nice curio cabinet with some of the more interesting ones and a few of Vann's pictures in there too?
I have recently purchased old NG mags for as much as $5.95/each at the antique store so maybe you have a gold mine there and don't know it! I would investigate selling the older issues for sure. Lots of crafters love those old memorabilia pieces for their artwork (but you know that!).
On 11/25/2009, Ruth Landon said ...
Another beautiful Bunny, Susan;its going to be a lovely quilt.
You certainly have alot of sorting to do, you're right to take your time, otherwise it would be too overwhelming.
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, very wise to do something different.
Ruth
On 11/25/2009, Lori said ...
I watched the exact show yesterday as well ... and thought about how ... except for the grace of God, I could easily become a hoarder too. Let's resolve together to declutter the clutter. Thanks for the inspiration!
Lori "Ramey"
On 11/25/2009, Julia Wood said ...
Good for you! This is one big reason I went for a year without buying fabric - I have plenty and then some! During the last two years, we've been cleaning out closets, under beds, the garage, the attic, trying to get rid of some stuff. I'm looking forward to our kids having their own places so I can pawn more stuff off on them. I think it's a blessing to pair down and live more simply.
Have fun tomorrow - great idea. Last Christmas we (for the first time ever) didn't spend Christmas with all the grandparents. The four of us slept late, opened gifts, had a simple meal, and went to a movie. It was so relaxing! And no stress! You can still remember your anniversary - it will always be a special date.
On 11/25/2009, Marcia said ...
I know tomorrow will be bittersweet for you, but your generosity may be helping to clothe others. I pray that you and your daughter have a wonderful day.
Blessings,
Marcia
On 11/25/2009, valerie said ...
Happy Thanksgiving to you too! Did you ever hear that song that I dedicated to you on my blog? It was on a video this past Sunday on my blog. I totally agree with you on clutter. I can't stand it either.
On 11/25/2009, kayellen said ...
Thinking of you!!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving...
Photos,old cameras..slides,film..I think that is a special memory to keep and pass on.
My husband's Dad passed away the same week as Vann..and we threw away 10 dumpsters full of junk.. just last month..but we did find many treasures and special memories we are keeping.
Take your time it is really a lot of work!
Hugs and prayers coming your way!
KayEllen
On 11/25/2009, quiltmom said ...
Hi Susan,
I have spent some time on each of the last 5 weekends de junking our basement. It feels like the process is interminable but we are making progress. The worse thing is the old papers that need shredding- it is time consuming to go through it because you find old pictures, letters and other treasures that one keeps along with the papers like the heating bills from long ago.
It sounds like you have a wonderful plan to make tomorrow a nice day for yourself and your daughter. Enjoy the movie - I am sure you will have mixed emotions but Vann would have really appreciated that you found ways to make his clothing and stuff useful to others.
Sending you warm hugs ( thanks for the birthday wishes the other day too)
Warmest regards,
Anna
On 11/26/2009, Carol said ...
I'm sending you lots of good thoughts for Thanksgiving Day/your Anniversary. When we moved from our other house 5 years ago, I swore that we would never keep anything that didn't have a purpose, and that if I didn't use it in a year it was gone. This past weekend we cleaned out clothes that we haven't worn in forever since we retired...lots of people in town will have clothes to wear. LOL!
Have a good day with your daughter! Happy Thanksgiving!
On 11/26/2009, Kim said ...
I love your bunny!!! He is soooo cute ! Love that fabric! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving day today! {{{hugs}}}
On 11/26/2009, Thelma said ...
I think your Thanksgiving sounds lovely, The Blindside is the perfect movie for you, it's an amazing story!
LOVE red bow bunny!!
Hsts are my favorite!! I never tire of seeing them in a pattern, isn't it funny how we all have different likes/dislikes.
Good Luck with the cleaning, you've got the right attitude, you'll get it done!
On 12/01/2009, Alison Gibbs said ...
At least all of Vann's clothes etc. will go to the needy so that is a wonderful thing.
We too have decided to go through pour things and if it is not useful in some way or special in its memories then it will go
Alison
On 06/10/2010, sildenafil citrate said ...
I am sure I will take that long to do the job. In these days of yore, I could have done everything in a week or so.
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